Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Home Office
London
UK
E-mail: leanne.bryant@homeoffice.gov.uk
NUTS: UK
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions
I.5) Main activity
Public order and safety
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Kinetic Effector RFI
II.1.2) Main CPV code
35200000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
II.1.4) Short description
The Authorities seek to determine market potential and consider market views on the requirements with a view to ensure such views are considered for any potential procurement that the Authorities may wish to launch.
No information contained in this RFI, or in any communication made between the Authorities and any Potential Provider in connection with this RFI, shall be relied upon as constituting a contract, agreement or representation that any procurement or contract may result from this RFI. Under no circumstances shall the Authorities incur any liability in respect of this RFI or any supporting documentation.
The Authorities will not reimburse any costs incurred by Potential Providers in connection with preparation and submission of their responses to this RFI.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
1 000 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
35730000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UK
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
A ‘kinetic effector’ is often referred to as a ‘hard kill’ or ‘hard stop’ solution but could also allow the physical capture and retrieval of a drone. Like other forms of counter-drone effectors, these are used to protect against drone incursions. Various methods capture, entangle or physically disable a drone, preventing it from reaching the intended target or carrying out the intended mission. Because of how they operate, kinetic effectors may be classed as ‘firearms’ and as such the operational use of them is limited. For this RFI, ‘kinetic effectors’ includes ammunition for existing firearms or platforms, as well as bespoke systems such as ‘smart’ weapons sighting systems. Specially designed ammunition may also require use of a firearm by an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO).
Remotely piloted aircraft, drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are used to carry out a whole host of functions by all sections of the community, including both legitimate and illegal activity. This may include carrying an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), video espionage, privacy violations or transportation of contraband, among others. Kinetic effectors may be used to counter the careless, inconsiderate or criminal use of drones. They can be used as a standalone device or may have an interface to other technologies, such as a detection system.
NPCC Counter Drones coordinates this activity with national equipment and training that is interoperable using ‘mutual aid’ for all Home Office forces. Police Scotland, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Ministry of Defence Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, British Transport Police, and the National Crime Agency also accord with the principles set out in the national model that in future will be covered under the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice (Counter Drones) (APP) for the deployment, training and use of counter drones equipment.
The Openworks Skywall 100 system is currently the only kinetic effector available for use by specially trained police officers in the UK.
Note: kinetic effector solutions as described exclude ‘hunter / killer’ type drones or devices that could be attached to drones. This RFI is focussed specifically on ground-based solutions.
The national Counter Drones Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment which will be published annually by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Counter Drones team is used to inform the position on the need, use and audit of kinetic effectors including the current capacity and capability across the UK.
II.2.14) Additional information
Manufacturers who meet the requirements will be invited to trials to demonstrate their technology against a number of indicative real-world scenarios. The objective of these trials will be to refine police Operational Requirements ahead of a further commercial process that seeks to select technologies for placement on a Home Office Framework Contract.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
01/07/2024
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
The Contracting Authority is issuing this Prior Information Notice (PIN) as a Request for Information (RFI) to gather market intelligence/information, to gain a better understanding of the capacity and appetite of the market.
It is important to note that this PIN/RFI is not a call for competition and as such potential providers will need to express an interest in any future tender opportunity once a contract notice is published in Find a Tender Service and on Contracts Finder.
It should be noted that this PIN/RFI invites individuals and organisations to express an interest in this RFI exercise only, and it is NOT a pre-qualification questionnaire, and is NOT part of any pre-qualification or selection process.
To request access to the RFI document please email CollaborativeProcurement@homeoffice.gov.uk and request the RFI document related to Kinetic Effectors. The document will then be sent for completion and should be returned to the same email address before the deadline. Responses are required by 12PM on 03/02/2024
Interested parties should not make direct contact with policy officials, all enquires/communication should only via the approved communication channel.
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
09/01/2024